Ana Čalić: Women in Nautica and the Future of Industry

As a business and marketing development expert at the Pula-based company Navela Ltd., and as the founder of the initiative Women in Nautica, she doesn’t stop at promoting sustainability and innovation – she creates concrete opportunities for networking, education, and visibility of women in the yachting sector.

Combining a scientific background, international education, and a deep understanding of the industry, Ana Čalić has positioned herself as one of the key voices of a new generation of female leaders at sea and alongside it. In an interview for Yachts Croatia, she shares what she sees as the greatest challenges in this sector, how she views the role of green technologies, why building a community of women in the industry is essential, and what to expect from the upcoming edition of the Women in Nautica conference.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU CURRENTLY SEE AS KEY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NAUTICAL SECTOR, BOTH IN CROATIA AND GLOBALLY?
The fundamental challenge I see is alignment around the strategy and direction the global yachting industry wants to take. At the moment, we have two parallel industries, one conventional and one sustainable, competing with their products and services and attracting different end users. All of this requires very intensive use of resources, which is not a long-term solution for either the development of the industry or environmental protection.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ROLE DO SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES PLAY IN THE FUTURE OF YACHTING?
Green technologies and sustainability don’t only play an important role in yachting, but in all industries. The transition to a circular economy is necessary because it implies the creation of products, services, and communities that contribute to the economy, the environment, and society. In the current situation, one of those three is always excluded from the equation, and the transition to a circular economy would allow us to have economic growth, environmental care, and societal benefits simultaneously.

IS THERE A PROJECT OR PRODUCT WITHIN NAVELA’S PORTFOLIO THAT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF, AND WHY?
We are proud of the newly launched electric saildrive from Yanmar, the SDe, which represents a step forward for the brand towards sustainable products, but what we especially highlight is the news about HVO fuel. All our existing engines are compatible with HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil – which reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90% in its production and use. Although NOx and PM emissions remain, this reduction is significant, and the key point is that all existing users of YM, JH, 4LV, 8LV, and 6LY engine series can use HVO without any system modifications. Looking in-house, we are proud of the Navela Academy project, which identifies young talent and allows them to study while working, giving them an opportunity to improve their education and gain practical
experience in a regional company with global reach.

Ana Čalić: Women in Nautica initiative

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH THE WOMEN IN NAUTICA INITIATIVE, AND WHAT DID ITS BEGINNINGS LOOK LIKE?
Women in Nautica was born from the practices of the Misli More company, which faced challenges raising awareness of the yachting industry among young people and finding a “voice for youth”. Over time, it shifted more towards the challenges women face in their work. We didn’t want to focus on problems, but on solutions, experiences, and strength. That’s why Women in Nautica celebrates the strength of women in the industry and presents powerful international stories to inspire others, showing that obstacles can be overcome through work and networking.

WHAT WERE THE INITIATIVE’S INITIAL GOALS, AND HOW HAVE THEY EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
The initiative began with a conference in October 2024, which was met with an exceptional response, not only from regional but also international stakeholders. The initial goal was simple: to network and educate. We achieved that quickly, and after the conference and the release of our first magazine, we launched unique podcast episodes on Spotify and YouTube. This year, we are collaborating with the Metstrade show in Amsterdam, and the conference is moving to Amsterdam, where it will be held on November 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the RAI Center, conference rooms D203 and D204. We’re proud that this year’s conference will introduce three new development segments for the project.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WHILE WORKING ON THE INITIATIVE THAT PARTICULARLY MOVED YOU OR CHANGED YOUR PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE?
What always pleasantly surprises me is when someone contacts me privately to say that my work inspired them or connected them with someone. Ultimately, if we’ve inspired someone to make new business decisions, connected them with new partners, or helped them gain more confidence in their work, then our job is done.

HOW HAVE WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY RESPONDED TO WOMEN IN NAUTICA? ARE THEY SHOWING A WILLINGNESS TO NETWORK AND SHARE KNOWLEDGE?
The response from women in the industry has been phenomenal. I’m proud to say that the interest is equally strong at both regional and international levels, and I can only thank all the stakeholders for their trust and the opportunity to collaborate.

WHERE WILL THIS YEAR’S WOMEN IN NAUTICA CONFERENCE BE HELD, AND WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE PROGRAM?
As mentioned earlier, Women in Nautica in 2025 is partnering with Metstrade, the world’s largest B2B recreational marine equipment show. The conference will take place in Amsterdam, at the RAI Center, conference rooms D203 and D204, on November 19 at 9:30 a.m. The program will feature current and unusual topics, including navigation safety, connectivity, diversification strategies, inclusivity, and more. What I can say is that our panelists will keep you anchored in the present while guiding you into the future. Tickets are already available through Entrio, and we would be happy to welcome as many Yachts Croatia readers as possible to the WIN conference.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF THE INITIATIVE LOOK LIKE? ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT REGIONAL EXPANSION, NEW PARTNERSHIPS, OR EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS?
We’re thinking about all of it – step by step. In 2025, we achieved the goal of launching an international podcast and partnering with international shows. For 2026, we have three new goals, which we’ll present at this year’s conference.

HOW REPRESENTED ARE WOMEN IN THE YACHTING SECTOR TODAY, AND WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO INCREASE THEIR NUMBERS?
Women are definitely more represented now than ten years ago, even in higher managerial or leadership positions. To increase those numbers further, there needs to be a systemic change in empowerment from an early age and teaching girls that there are no obstacles in choosing their careers or fulfilling their professional and personal dreams.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR WHO LEFT A PARTICULAR MARK ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
My greatest mentor is my mother, who has over 34 years of experience in the yachting industry and started a business in the most challenging years, which grew into the most respected nautical partner in the region. I like to joke that she’s the first lady of Croatian yachting. Of course, I meet many inspiring women and men every day, on LinkedIn and in person. Every time I record a new WIN Podcast episode, I learn something new, and I consider it a very valuable educational channel. I’m also looking forward to a new opportunity within the European Boating Industry council, which will provide me with an exceptional chance for professional growth.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN WHO WANT TO BUILD A CAREER IN THIS STILL PREDOMINANTLY MALE SECTOR?
Just start. Believe in your ambitions and competencies – they are yours and unique, and they can take you far, no matter what anyone says. No one has the right to take away your professional plans and growth opportunities, and as long as you stay focused on your goal, you will succeed.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND WOMEN IN NAUTICA IN FIVE YEARS? Right where we are now – only more visible, more assertive, more international, and more successful.

IS THERE A MARKET, TECHNOLOGY, OR TREND THAT PARTICULARLY INTRIGUES YOU RIGHT NOW?
Yes. As a market, I’m intrigued by Southeast Asia because it’s completely different from the conventional ways of sailing and living we’re used to in Europe or the East Coast of North America. The trends, lifestyles, coastlines, and sailing possibilities are all different. I’ve been following hydrogen fuel cells for years, and one digital trend that is starting to develop is dedicated software for boat clubs.

AND FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL MOTTO OR GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN YOUR WORK?
I don’t have a special motto or mantra – I just try to organize tasks by priority every day, carve out uninterrupted time to focus, and complete them as best I can. Generally, with every activity, process, or strategy, I ask myself: What could I do better here? Additionally? More efficiently?